By accepting racism, we're all demeaned (letter to the editor)

With all the fuss over Trump's treasonous actions in Finland, we have overlooked one simple truth: The President of the United States, among his various lies, stated to the Europeans that they are losing their culture by accepting refugees fleeing the wars in the Middle East.

If this isn't racist and insulting to every everyone, what is? Last year, a former student of mine recognized me. "I am glad you are still here, Mr. Ladner. Every time we move out, they move in."

I walked away thinking, "who are 'they?"'

Perhaps "they" are Russian immigrants, or Asians, or Muslims, Blacks or Jews or Hispanics?

If we weren't on Staten Island, "they" could be Irish or Italian Catholics.

Leave the big cities, and just see how much Papists are loved. Every group has been a "they,'' accused of diluting our culture by the bigots and the opportunists. "They" have shaped this country in a thousand positive ways. "They" are American culture.

"They" are us, and it makes me sick to see our government and our media pander to this open racism. The racist comments that pass for normal prove just how low the Republicans and the media in this once-decent nation have gone.

By accepting Trump and his gang of racists, all Americans are demeaned.